But where was Walt Whitman buried exactly? His body rests in the Harleigh Cemetery, White Cedar Spring Grove in Camden, New Jersey. The cemetery has been in operation since 1885 and houses the graves of thousands of other American citizens. At the time of its opening, the cemetery was outside the city limits of Camden, hence the moniker ‘White Cedar Spring Grove.’
Whitman was a resident of Camden, New Jersey, where he wrote ‘Leaves of Grass,’ one of his most famous works. He spent the last few years of his life in Camden and was his place of death as well, though not in the city itself. He died of various causes, including paralysis and mental illness, in nearby Philadelphia. He was 72 years old at the time.
Whitman’s friend and biographer, Horace Traubel, paid for his funeral and burial at the White Cedar Spring Grove. The cemetery is especially well known for the lush trees that line it. It is the perfect resting place for someone like Whitman, who was an avid admirer of nature. The grave site is located in a lovely little corner at the back of the cemetery, surrounded by trees and serenity.
Though it is not known for sure whether Walt Whitman ever visited the spot before he died, it’s certainly possible. There are many other interesting features of the cemetery, including a large bronze bust of Whitman at the entrance. There’s even a walking path with various markers of prominent figures buried in the cemetery, and they all point to Walt Whitman’s grave.
The marker at his grave is a gray granite tablet, with a bust and the words: “Walt Whitman, the American bard, 1819-1892.” There is no doubt that this area of the cemetery is special, as it is home to many other important figures of American history.
The Cultural Impact and Significance of Walt Whitman
In his writing, Whitman sought to challenge traditional literary forms and create something entirely new and uncensored, something that could fully capture the American experience of the time—themes of exploration, discovery, and often, misery. His works would influence generations of writers and artists, from T.S. Eliot to Carl Sandburg to Bob Dylan. He was a man ahead of his time who made a lasting contribution to American and world literature.
Whitman’s writings were also highly political. He famously advocated for racial, gender, and sexual equality, and leaned towards abolitionism. His strong stance against slavery and racism, and his belief in the democratic process make him an important figure in early American history. He was especially vocal about the US Civil War and in 1862, he was applauded for his staunch patriotism during the war.
Whitman also advocated for religious freedom, writing that “one should embrace life in all its mysterious beauty, instead of relying on a set of dogmas”. This made him a controversial figure, especially in his own time, but it also influenced many other writers of the time.
A Mecca For Fans and Tourists
The cemetery itself has become a popular tourist destination, with people coming from all corners of the globe to get a glimpse of the burial site of one of the greatest poets of all time. It has become an iconic symbol of the power of literature and inspiration, and of the beauty of nature. It is a beckoning reminder of how powerful words can be.
And for those who visit the site, it is a place to seek solace and reflect on the life and works of the American poet. The site has become a symbol of hope, a reminder of the deep love that Walt Whitman had for humanity and nature, and a source of inspiration for many.
All these years later, it’s clear that the spirit of Whitman lives on in his beloved Harleigh Cemetery. It is hard to visit the cemetery and not feel the impact he had on the world, and the effect of his words that still linger today. The site is more than just a burial ground; it is a tribute to the legacy of a great American poet.
The Relocation of Walt Whitman’s Ashes
The ashes now reside in two large marble vases housed in a room at the CCHS. In the same room, visitors can see a variety of belongings from Whitman’s life, including a copy of Leaves of Grass, a rocking chair, and a carving made by his brother and sister.
The purpose of the move was to make sure that Whitman’s grave site is protected and preserved for posterity. Previously, it had been difficult to protect the site from vandalism, as it was often difficult to distinguish between tourists and vandals. With the relocation of his ashes, the CCHS ensures that vandalism is minimized and that the site is kept in its original condition.
The relocation of Whitman’s ashes is a contentious issue, but one can not deny the importance of preserving the site of one of the world’s greatest poets.
Preservation of the Grave Site
The cemetery itself, Harleigh Cemetery, has also changed ownership over the years and, in 2011, was taken over by the nonprofit group Green Spaces. Green Spaces has worked to improve the site and to make sure that it is preserved and respected.
The organization has also worked to maintain and restore the various monuments in the cemetery, and even ordered the placement of a bust of Walt Whitman at the entrance. This addition was to honor his contribution to America, and to remind visitors of the importance of the site.
The cemetery is now considered to be one of the most carefully curated and preserved historic sites in the US, making it one of the most popular destinations for fans, scholars, and tourists alike.
The Gravesite in Pop Culture
The site has been featured in the writings of Allen Ginsberg, Kenneth Koch, and Bob Dylan, among others. There have been multiple plays and films about Whitman’s life and works, and even video games. In short, his grave site has become a source of inspiration and fascination for many in the art world.
Walt Whitman’s works have had a profound effect on American culture, and his grave site has only served to add to his legacy. His final resting place is a reminder of the beauty and power of his words, and of the impact he has had on the world.
Conclusion of Walt Whitman’s Life and Legacy
The legacy of Walt Whitman is one that continues to inspire, and his grave site is a testament to his life and works. The site will continue to be a peaceful sanctuary for those seeking solace and hope, and a place to reflect on a great American poet.
